Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks.

Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Stir in brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until blended.

Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and fold them in gently.

Add the all-purpose flour and fold it in until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.